Workshop Will Bridge Participants’ Gaps On Production Of Quality Products—Ministry

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, (MMSD) has decried the importation of all kinds of metal products due to the low industrial standard of the local metal products, which has adversely affected the SMEs.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade speaking on behalf of the ministry while declaring open a one-day annual Stimulation and Promotion Workshop for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for the North – West geopolitical Zone in Kano, said the workshop will help improve the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She, however, expressed optimism that the workshop will bridge participants’ gaps on the production of quality products that would compete favourably in the global market.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented at the occasion by Director Special Duties, Yisau Adepoju hinted that the workshop was aimed at strengthening the strategies designed for the growth of the SMEs in the Sector.

In a statement made available to journalists, Akinlade said the sensitisation programme will stimulate and drive a significant improvement in the sector’s contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economy.

According to her, this is in demonstration of its commitment to creating awareness amongst the SMEs in the metals sector, comprising of foundries, fabricators, welders, manufacturers of spare parts, aluminum extrusion, allied products, among many others.

In his welcome address, the Acting Director (Steel), Engineer Olasupo said it is the vision of the ministry to see that SMEs operators in the metals sector are fully integrated with other stakeholders in the industry.

He urged the participants, who were drawn from Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa to ensure that the knowledge gained from the seminar will propel the SMEs into higher productivity leading to wealth creation, poverty reduction and increase in the GDP of the country.